The 2002-2003 eruption was defined as 'perfect' by volcanologists for its textbook dynamics, but it was a tragedy for tour operators. An eruptive fracture opened at low altitude on the North side, cutting the pine forest in two and aiming straight for Piano Provenzana.
The End of Piano Provenzana
In just a few hours, the lava swallowed hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Piano Provenzana, the tourist resort of the North, was wiped out. Miraculously, there were no victims because the evacuation was timely.
Today, walking on the products of that eruption is impressive. You can still see the roofs of some cabins sticking out of the solid lava. But reconstruction was rapid: new wooden structures and new ski lifts rose in record time.
The Buttonhole Craters
The eruption left a legacy of a spectacular series of aligned craters ('buttonhole' style) along the fracture. Visiting them today is a must: you walk on the edge of these now-extinct mouths, treading on red and black ash, with a panorama stretching as far as the Aeolian Islands.
Why Choose This
- Total destruction of the tourist resort
- Reconstruction and resilience
- Spectacular buttonhole craters
- Intense red color of the rocks
- A reminder of nature's power
Practical Info
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Year | 2002-2003 |
| Side | North (and South) |
| Damage | Piano Provenzana destroyed |
| Victims | 0 |
| Legacy | New visitable craters |
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